The Spanish government has approved a package of measures to address the country's housing crisis. The measures, announced by the Council of Ministers, aim to limit evictions, prohibit the purchase of homes by investment funds, and automatically extend rental contracts. The moves are designed to provide relief to tenants and small property owners, while also targeting speculators. The package was approved after hours of negotiation between the ruling Socialist Party and the left-wing platform Sumar.
The measures approved by the Council of Ministers include a ban on evictions until 2030, as well as the automatic extension of rental contracts for up to two years for contracts that expire before 2028. Additionally, the purchase of homes by investment funds will be prohibited until the end of 2028. The government has also established regulations for temporary rentals and room rentals. The measures are seen as a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in Spain.
The approval of the measures comes after a week of protests across Spain, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand action on housing. The protests were sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home in Madrid's city center, where she had lived since 1956. The case drew widespread attention and sparked a wave of demonstrations, with estimates suggesting that up to 300,000 people participated in a rally in Madrid on Saturday.
The Spanish government has described the approval of the measures as a "magnificent agreement" between the ruling parties. Health Minister Monica Garcia, a member of Sumar, wrote on social media that the measures were a significant achievement, while Justice Minister Felix Bolanos, a member of the Socialist Party, described the agreement as a "great day" for tenants and small property owners.
The protests and the government's response have highlighted the deep-seated issues in Spain's housing market. Many tenants have faced significant increases in rent, while others have been evicted from their homes. The government's measures aim to address these issues, but it remains to be seen whether they will be effective in resolving the crisis.
The Council of Ministers also approved a second decree that establishes the automatic renewal of rental contracts for an indefinite period. This move is seen as a key demand of tenant groups and is expected to provide greater security for renters. The decrees will need to be ratified by parliament, with an extraordinary plenary session scheduled for next Friday.
The approval of the measures has been welcomed by tenant groups and social organizations, who have been campaigning for greater protections for renters. However, it remains to be seen how effective the measures will be in addressing the root causes of the housing crisis in Spain. The government has faced criticism for not doing enough to address the issue, but the approval of the measures is seen as a step in the right direction.
Key points
- The Spanish government has approved a package of measures to limit evictions and prohibit the purchase of homes by investment funds.
- The measures aim to provide relief to tenants and small property owners, while also targeting speculators.
- The approval of the measures comes after a week of protests across Spain, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand action on housing.
